Bengals' Star Tee Higgins to Play 2024 Season Under Franchise Tag
The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Tee Higgins have not come to terms on a long-term extension before the NFL's July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players. As a result, Higgins is set to play the 2024 season under the franchise tag, earning $21.816 million for the year.
Signing his one-year franchise tender on June 15, 2024, Higgins becomes the only player among the league's eight franchise-tagged individuals this off-season who did not secure a new contract. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins in late February 2024, sparking a series of events that included Higgins requesting a trade, which the Bengals ultimately did not grant.
Performance and Injury
Higgins' performance over his four seasons with the Bengals has been notable. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Higgins has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark twice in his career. Despite a challenging most recent season where a hamstring injury limited him to just 12 games, Higgins still managed to accumulate 656 yards and five touchdowns on 42 receptions.
Over his tenure with the Bengals, Higgins has consistently posted at least five touchdowns each season, underscoring his reliability as a key target within the team's offensive schemes.
Contract Negotiations and Trade Request
Higgins' absence from the Bengals' mandatory minicamp, while he sought a more lucrative extension, was a significant point of contention. His stance was emblematic of a growing trend among franchise-tagged players who feel the need to push for long-term security in a league where injury risks are high. Past Bengals players, such as Jessie Bates III and Jonah Williams, experienced similar situations under the franchise tag, with Bates leaving in free agency and Williams staying with the team to play his tagged season before exploring other opportunities.
Head Coach Zac Taylor commented on the situation, saying, "I'm excited to move forward with Tee. He's done a great job handling his situation, and we are happy to get him back in the fold so we can start working toward a great 2024 season. The locker room will be excited to have him back around."
Prospects for the 2024 Season
With Higgins set to play under the franchise tag, the Bengals will undoubtedly benefit from his presence on the field. His return boosts an offense that continues to rely on his playmaking abilities, especially when paired with quarterback Joe Burrow. As the team looks to improve upon their previous season's performance, Higgins' contributions will be critical.
Whether or not Higgins and the Bengals can finally agree on a long-term deal remains to be seen. For now, both sides appear to be committed to making the most of the upcoming season. The Bengals' refusal to trade Higgins after tagging him in February indicates their high regard for his talents and their desire to maintain continuity within their receiving corps.
The 2024 season marks a pivotal moment for Higgins' career and the Bengals' future. If he can stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level, the negotiations table may look quite different by this time next year.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Higgins to see how he navigates playing under the franchise tag and whether his performance will secure him the long-term deal he seeks.